The History of The Disability Resource Exchange.

The Disability Resource Exchange had its beginnings back in 1988 with the setting up of a local Access Group and, in 1990, an Information Services Group. The two groups merged in 1991 to become the Crewe & Nantwich Access and Information Group, changing its name again in 1992 to South Cheshire Access and Information Group. When this group became a Charitable Company, Limited by Guarantee, in 1995 it took the name "The Disability Resource Exchange". We are currently operating from a temporary office at the Hilary Centre in Crewe, which is a day care centre for people with disabilities.

The Disability Resource Exchange

The DRE is run entirely by disabled people and carers for the benefit of others in similar circumstances. The types of disabilities our members have cover a broad spectrum and include spinal injury, spinal disease, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, sight impairment, arthritic conditions, hearing impairment, stroke, amputation, head injuries and multiple sclerosis. Only 15% of the members are able bodied.

Our Articles of Association state that a minimum of 75% of members of the management board must have a disability. This is to ensure that the needs of disabled people are kept to the forefront in all matters. The members of the DRE work on a voluntary basis within the constraints of their disability.

The primary purpose of the company is to provide an information service for disabled people and for other interested parties such as students and professionals, but we also carry out access surveys. We run an Information Helpline and answer queries on a wide range of subjects. Our immediate aim is to secure premises suitable not only for ourselves but also as a base for a "Shopmobility" scheme.